1 John 3:22-24
And we receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.

Homily:

What a bold statement – “receive from him whatever we ask”, but it comes with a caveat – “because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him”.

There are 2 gospel passages that support the above statement.

Matthew 7:9-11
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Luke 11:11-13
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

It therefore goes without saying, that when we do not receive when we ask, there is a misalignment.

Remember the chiding in 1 John 3:10 –
“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.”

You choose your father, with your intent, words and deeds. The father you choose, gives from the abundance of what is within. Choose right.